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Why you should visit the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Though it may have escaped the radar of many foreign nationals living in Germany, the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is brimming with attractions and delights for tourists during the summer season.

Published: 5 June 2023 17:22 CEST
Updated: 2 March 2024 16:40 CET

The beach on the Darss-Fischland-Zingst peninsula. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/dpa-Zentralbild | Jens Büttner

Despite being the most popular holiday destination for domestic tourists, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is woefully under-visited by non-Germans. According to the Lonely Planet, 97 percent of tourists who flock to the region each year are German.

If foreigners have visited, it’s most likely to have been to the seaside Stadt of Rostock and maybe to see the stunning Schloss of Schwerin, the capital.

But the whole state has a slew of attractions – from majestic lakes to historic Hanseatic towns – which will leave all visitors in awe.

Here are 10 reasons to head to the state.

Lots of sunshine

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania regularly tops the list of Germany’s sunniest states and 2022 was no different. Last year, Germany’s most northeastern state was once again the sunniest federal state with 1,648 hours of sunshine. So sun-seekers planning a trip here over the summer are unlikely to be disappointed.

An abundance of water

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is not only blessed with abundant sunshine but it also surpasses all other German states with its water resources. With over 2,000 lakes and more than 2,000 kilometres of coastline, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the ideal destination for watersports lovers, or for those just wanting to relax near refreshing bodies of water.

Stunning historical sites

From the fairy-tale-like Schwerin Castle on Lake Schwerin to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Wismar and Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has no shortage of well-preserved historical sites to visit.

Schwerin Castle in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/dpa-Zentralbild | Bernd Wüstneck

The Hanseatic cities of Wismar and Stralsund provide visitors with a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history and feature well-preserved architecture, including Gothic brick churches and merchant houses.

Other highlights include the Neubrandenburg city wall – a medieval fortification which dates back to the 14th century and the Renaissance castle in the town of Güstrow.

Island escapes

If you want to feel like you’ve escaped Germany without actually having to leave the country, a visit to the Baltic Sea islands is just what you need.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is home to 25 islands and peninsulas, with Rügen, Usedom, Fischland-Darß-Zingst, Poel, and Hiddensee being the most renowned. Among them, Rügen claims the title of Germany’s largest island, spanning an impressive 930 square kilometres.

Rügen is best known for its beautiful white cliffs and the Jasmund National Park and if you’re visiting the island you should also head to the Königsstuhl vantage point for a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea coast.

Thousands of manor houses and castles

In the past, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was home to countless dukes, princes and affluent Hanseatic citizens who left behind over 2,000 castles, manor houses, and stately homes in the region. Of these, more than 1,000 are listed buildings and around a third are open to visitors.

These houses not only provide tourists with a glimpse into the region’s past but many have also been transformed into cultural institutions that contribute to the local arts scene, hosting concerts, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.

A great place for artists

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has long been a place of inspiration for artists and many of the region’s manor houses have been repurposed as places to host artistic projects and workshops in the region.

One place with a particularly interesting artistic history is Ahrenshoop Beach: a picturesque artists’ village on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst Peninsula. The first artists’ settlement was founded here in around 1890 and over the years more and more creative people were drawn here, inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings.

Amazing beaches

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s extensive coastline offers a rich variety of beaches, each with its own distinctive charm.

Highlights include Warnemünde Beach near the town of Rostock, which offers visitors a broad expanse of sandy shores, beachside bars, watersports activities and an iconic lighthouse.

The wide sandy beach between Binz and Prora. Photo: picture alliance / Jens Büttner/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa | Jens Büttner

With its long stretch of soft sand, and crystal-clear waters, Binz Beach on the island of Rügen is widely acclaimed as one of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s finest beaches.

Zingst Beach on the Zingst Peninsula is part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park and is celebrated for its unspoiled beauty, vast stretches of sandy terrain, and dune landscapes.

Kühlungsborn Beach boasts one of the longest stretches of coastline in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, extending over several kilometres. The beach also offers a picturesque promenade dotted with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Fish sandwiches

Probably the best-known dish from Western Pomerania is the Fischbrötchen: a locally sourced, fresh fish – usually herring – grilled or pickled, served in a crusty roll, with toppings such as onions, lettuce, and pickles.

Fischbrötchen is a popular street food snack and can be found sold in stalls next to beaches and in coastal towns throughout the region. It may not sound like much, but it’s really worth a visit to the region all by itself.

Outdoor activities

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a perfect destination for those who enjoy an active summer holiday.

Hiking enthusiasts can find plenty of trails in Müritz National Park, Jasmund National Park, and Mecklenburg Switzerland and those who prefer exploring on two wheels can try out some of the picturesque cycling routes. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route and the Mecklenburg Lakes Cycle Route are particularly popular choices.

The Serrahn beech forest in the Müritz National Park. Photo: picture alliance / dpa-tmn | Nationalparkamt Müritz

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the region’s nature reserves and national parks, which are teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park stands out as a prime spot to witness rare bird species and other captivating wildlife.

Wellness and Spa

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is home to numerous spa towns that offer a peaceful retreat to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Bad Sülze, for example, is a small spa town known for its therapeutic peat and moor mud. Visitors can enjoy mud baths and spa treatments and explore the nature trails and parks in the area.

Another notable spa town is Bad Wilsnack, renowned for its healing thermal saltwater springs.

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10 things people living in Munich take for granted

When many people think of Germany, the images that come to mind are often of Bavaria: big brass bands, rosy-cheeked locals in Dirndls and Lederhosen, stunning alpine scenery and bombastic beer festivals, not to mention the chocolate-box villages.

That may be one of the reasons Bavaria is so treasured and why the state’s capital, Munich, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.

Year after year, Munich ranks as the second most visited city in Germany, only coming in behind the national capital of Berlin. What’s more, for foreigners who move to the country, Munich is often at the top of their preferred places to live.

But despite all the attractions, if you’re a resident of Munich, you may sometimes find yourself losing touch with what makes the city so special. To help remind you, we’ve compiled a list of the things that visitors love about the Bavarian capital – but residents take for granted.

The array of incredible bakeries

We know Munich is known for its beer, but once you sample the delicious sweet treats at any of the city’s incredible bakeries, you’ll soon see why lovers of coffee and cake feel equally at home in this city.

Whether you’re tucking into a warming Apfelstrüdel or enjoying a velvety Prinzregententorte on a sunny patio, residents of Munich are never too far away from the high-end cafe culture that nearby Vienna is famous for.

Getting everywhere in 20 minutes

OK, this may be a slight exaggeration, but it’s certainly true that Munich is a pretty compact city that’s easy to traverse by train and bicycle.

With high rents pushing people further out to the suburbs, you can take comfort in knowing that most places you want to go are within easy reach within 20-30 minutes on a bicycle or using Munich’s impressive public transport network. Once you’re in the centre, of course, everything is easily reachable on foot.

Surfing in the middle of the city

When you first encounter the impressive sight of somebody surfing the waves of the Isar, most people forget whatever they’re doing and stop and gawk for a while.

But after a litte time in the city, you may forget just what an incredible attraction the Eisbachwelle really is.

Whether you’re a surfer or not, it’s always fun to watch wet-suit clad surfers perform awe-inspiring feats on their boards, and it’s yet another example of the fun outdoorsy activities that Munich is known for.

Munich Eisenbachwelle on the River Isar.

A surfer takes to the waves at the Munich Eisenbachwelle on the River Isar. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Peter Kneffel

Escaping into breathtaking landscapes

Cologne and Frankfurt may have the Rhine and Berlin may have its forests and lakes, but nowhere in the country offers such awe-inspiring natural landscapes as Bavaria.

Whether it’s bathing in the crystal alpine waters of Königsee or soaring down pristine pistes near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, residents of Munich have easy access to unmatched scenery just a short car or train journey from the city centre. That means that, whenever the stress of city life gets too much, you’re only ever an hour or so from peace and tranquility.

With so much incredible nature and outdoor activities on your doorstep, Munich truly feels like one of the best places in the country to live, no matter what the season.

Perusing artistic masterpieces

Having more than a millennia of great art on your doorstep isn’t something to be sniffed at – and that’s exactly what residents of Munich can enjoy when visiting the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.

Although the Neue Pinakothek is still closed for renovations, you can see highlights of its collections in the Alte Pinakothek, enjoying the titants of 19th and 20th century art alongside medieval masterpieces.

The most incredible thing is that these world-class art collections are free for visitors, meaning you can stop by anytime to immerse yourself in art history.

A beer garden on every corner

In Munich, beer gardens are more than just places to enjoy a refreshing Maß of Helles: they’re bustling communal spaces where locals can gather and socialise in the sun.

These leafy watering holes make ideal meeting spots for friends and family at the weekend or a quick Feierabendbier with colleagues after work. In true Munich tradition, many even allow you to take your own food to snack on – provided you buy a few drinks!

Although beer gardens aren’t uniquely confined to the Bavarian capital, Munich residents are unusually spoilt for choice: according to the latest estimates, there are more than 100 beer gardens throughout the city, many of which are attached to famous Bavarian breweries.

Chilling in the largest park in Europe

Forget Berlin’s Tiergarten or Frankfurt’s Grünburgpark, the Englischer Garten wins all competitions hands down, not only in size but in beauty.

Stretching over 900 acres, this green expanse is not only the largest park in Europe but also a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city living – and where else in Germany can you find both a Japanese tea house and a Chinese pagoda with a beer garden?

The Japanese padoda in Munich's English Garden.

The Japanese padoda in Munich’s English Garden. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Felix Hörhager

As a resident, it’s easy to forget how special it is to have this incredible expanse of green space right on your doorstep – but visit a handful of grey, concrete jungles and you’ll appreciate Munich’s urban oasis that bit more.

Feeling safe wherever you go

Munich has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Germany, making it a pleasant and relaxed place to spend time, whatever your age or gender.

Though it’s easy to get used to walking the peaceful streets at night and not having to feel on edge, it’s worth remembering that not everywhere in the world is so tranquil, so it’s definitely something to treasure.

Delicacies fresh from the market

Residents of Munich may sometimes see Viktualienmarkt as something of a tourist trap, but it’s definitely quite magical to have such an idyllic spot with all sorts of regional delicacies right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself, you’ll find everything you need at the Viktualienmarkt: fine wines, cheeses and homemade Obatzdn (traditional Bavarian spread) at Thoma Fromages et Vines; freshly caught fish at Fisch Witte and hearty soups and meaty stews at the Munich Soup Kitchen, not to mention homemade cake and sekt at Café Nymphenburg Sekt.

And if you get tired of all that food shopping, the Viktualienmarkt beer garden is the ideal place to rest your legs and whet your whistle.

The neverending festivals

True residents of Munich know it’s not all about Oktoberfest (though a visit to Wiesn is always a good laugh): Bavaria’s rich folk culture and Munich’s buzzing cultural scene guarantee a packed calendar of exciting events and festivals almost all year round.

In winter and summer, the multicultural Tollwood festival is a firm favourite, with arts and crafts, music, theatre and circus performances, as well as a vast array of street food from all around the world.

Tollwood summer festival

Festival goers drink at bar in Munich Olympiapark during the Tollwood summer festival. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Stephan Jansen

If you’ve fallen out of touch with the endless festivals and cultural events going on in Munich, it’s worth refreshing your memory and getting out and about again to rediscover the beating heart of the city.

To adapt a well-known quote by the English writer Samuel Johnson on London, “If you are tired of Munich, you are tired of life.”

Do you have any thoughts on the parts of Munich life that people take for granted? What do you find special about the city? Drop us an email and let us know.

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